According to forum posts, many travelers recommend exploring Norway through a mix of city visits, scenic rail journeys, and fjord cruises. One suggested itinerary includes starting in Oslo, taking the scenic Flam railway, exploring Bergen, and then experiencing the fjords through boat or public transport.

For those interested in more comprehensive travel, some users suggest including the Lofoten Islands and taking a short Hurtigruten cruise. This plan often starts with flying into Oslo, then heading to the Lofoten Islands, followed by a cruise, and exploring further by car from Alesund to Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen Mountain Pass.

For travelers without access to a car, it's feasible to cover significant attractions like Bergen, Flam, Stavanger, and Alesund using public transport. This includes buses and trains, which can be strategically planned to cover major sights, although it can be less flexible than driving.

According to forum posts, the train journey from Oslo to Bergen is highly recommended for its scenic beauty, described as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. It's worth doing during daylight to fully enjoy the views. Tickets should be bought well in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends.

Some travelers mentioned that while there is a higher class service known as Plus, it only offers slightly better seating and amenities such as free coffee/tea. It's not significantly different from regular class, making regular class adequate for most travelers.

For those preferring to drive, forum users have discussed various scenic routes for a road trip from Bergen to Oslo. Options include driving through Hardanger to experience apple blossoms and cider tasting or taking the route over Hardangervidda for a quicker journey.

In Bergen, options for getting to the airport include taxis and the Bybanen (light rail), offering an affordable and efficient way to travel. In Oslo, trains from the airport to the city center are available, providing a convenient connection.

According to forum posts, popular hiking trails in Norway include Preikestolen, which is accessible in June, and Dronningstien in Hardanger. Preikestolen is noted for its ease of access and spectacular views, making it a favorite among travelers.

For those seeking more challenging hikes, Bakkanosi and Svelgabreen are mentioned. Bakkanosi, at 1396 meters above sea level, often has snow in early June, requiring careful planning. Svelgabreen, part of the Folgefonna glacier, is also highlighted for its deep snow conditions in June, making it suitable for experienced hikers looking for a demanding trail.

Travelers have called out less crowded alternatives such as the Trollheimen area, specifically the Storlidalen to Innerdalen route, offering a blend of beauty and solitude. This area is less frequented, providing a more solitary hiking experience amidst stunning landscapes.

Many travelers have recommended the Hurtigruten or Havila voyages for a comprehensive Norwegian fjord experience. These are not traditional cruises but coastal voyages that include stops at major fjords and scenic towns. They are noted for their extensive itineraries that cover significant parts of Norway’s coast.

For those seeking a more traditional cruise experience, Viking Cruises, departing from Bergen, have been mentioned as an option, although their trips typically extend beyond the 3-5 day range. Users have noted that these cruises are popular among older travelers.

For shorter, more focused fjord experiences, users have suggested opting for day trips or short boat tours from major cities like Bergen and Ålesund. These can include trips around specific fjords like Geirangerfjord, often without the need to book long cruises.

According to forum posts, travelers in Norway have various options for car rentals, including international chains like Avis, Hertz, and local options available through airport websites. It is advised to contact rental companies directly for the best offers, especially for local companies. Travelers have noted that one-way rentals can be costly due to hefty drop-off charges.

Some travelers mentioned that one-way rentals often include significant fees since the rental company must cover the cost of returning the vehicle. For instance, a one-way rental from Stavanger to Tromsø can be expensive, with quotes around 1000 NOK per day including the one-way fee.

Travelers have shared tips on booking through platforms like Auto Europe to compare various deals from different agencies. However, issues like high insurance deductibles and additional fees for one-way rentals should be carefully considered. It's also suggested to periodically check for better rates and deals up until the travel date to potentially save costs on bookings.

According to forum posts, major transport hubs in Norway like Oslo S train station and Bergen airport provide luggage storage options. For instance, Oslo S offers lockers, but travelers should be aware of limitations such as a maximum storage duration.

Some travelers mentioned that hotels often offer luggage storage services. For instance, a user noted that their hotel in Oslo was willing to store luggage in an unlocked room, suggesting that many hotels might offer similar services, albeit with varying security levels.

For travelers looking for more secure or convenient options, porter services such as porterservice.no have been discussed. This service allows luggage to be transferred from one hotel to another, particularly useful for those undertaking tours like Norway in a Nutshell.

Travelers should consider the security of luggage storage options and weigh them against convenience. Using lockers at stations might be suitable for short-term storage, while porter services offer a more hassle-free experience for moving luggage between destinations.

According to forum posts, travelers recommend a variety of itineraries for visiting Lofoten, often suggesting spending time in scenic areas like Reine and Svolvær. Some travelers opt to explore Lofoten by car for flexibility in visiting various picturesque locations.

For many users, the duration of the stay in Lofoten varies, with some suggesting a minimum of three days to appreciate the scenery and explore effectively. Travelers have called out the importance of being mobile, either through rentals or using local buses, to maximize the experience of the dramatic landscapes.

Some travelers said that Lofoten is ideal for activities like hiking, photography, and enjoying the local scenery. Recommendations often include visiting specific spots like Haukland Beach, Kvalvika Beach, and trying to catch the Northern Lights, which are a major attraction during the appropriate seasons.

According to forum posts, choosing where to stay can enhance the Lofoten experience; Svolvær offers more amenities and convenience due to its size, while Reine provides closer access to iconic landscapes.

According to forum posts, the Norway in a Nutshell tour is a popular travel route that allows visitors to experience some of Norway's most beautiful fjords and landscapes using public transportation. This tour is often mentioned as a convenient option for travelers who do not have a car.

Some travelers said that the tour typically includes a combination of train rides, bus transfers, and boat trips. Key highlights include the scenic train journey from Myrdal to Flåm and a boat ride through the fjords from Flåm to Gudvangen.

For many users, the main attractions of the Norway in a Nutshell tour are the stunning views of the fjords, specifically Nærøyfjord, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. The tour is designed to showcase the spectacular natural beauty of these areas in a compact travel schedule.

Travelers have called out the flexibility of the tour, noting that it can be started from either Oslo or Bergen and can be customized with stopovers in small towns like Flåm, allowing for additional exploration or overnight stays.